Executive Order 14074

On October 12, 2023, President Joe Biden signed Executive Order 14074, titled "Facilitating the Use of Advanced Secure Technology to Protect Democracy from Foreign Malign Influence."

This executive order is a significant development in the United States' efforts to combat foreign interference and safeguard its democratic processes. It aims to address the growing concerns surrounding the misuse of advanced technologies, particularly artificial intelligence (AI) and social media platforms, by hostile foreign actors.

Key Provisions of Executive Order 14074

Executive Order 14074 outlines a comprehensive strategy to enhance the resilience of American democratic institutions and infrastructure against foreign malign influence. The order focuses on three main areas:

1. Strengthening Information Integrity and Combating Disinformation

The executive order emphasizes the need to protect the integrity of information and combat the spread of disinformation. It directs the Secretary of State and the Attorney General to:

• Enhance international cooperation to counter foreign disinformation campaigns.
• Develop strategies to identify and address the misuse of AI and other technologies for spreading disinformation.
• Collaborate with social media companies to improve content moderation practices and enhance transparency.

Furthermore, the order establishes an interagency task force, led by the Director of National Intelligence, to:

• Assess the current state of foreign malign influence operations and their impact on U.S. democracy.
• Identify emerging technologies that could be exploited for malicious purposes.
• Develop recommendations for mitigating the risks associated with these technologies.

2. Securing Critical Infrastructure and Elections

Executive Order 14074 recognizes the importance of securing critical infrastructure and ensuring the integrity of election processes. It directs the Secretary of Homeland Security to:

• Enhance cybersecurity measures for critical infrastructure, including the use of AI and machine learning technologies.
• Expand the adoption of secure and resilient communication systems to protect against foreign interference.
• Develop guidelines for the use of AI in election administration, ensuring transparency and accountability.

The order also calls for the establishment of a National Election Resilience Council, which will bring together government officials, election experts, and technology companies to:

• Share best practices and promote the adoption of secure election technologies.
• Address vulnerabilities and potential threats to election systems.
• Foster collaboration between the public and private sectors to enhance election security.

3. Promoting Global Digital Standards and Cooperation

Recognizing the global nature of the challenges posed by foreign malign influence, the executive order emphasizes the need for international cooperation and the establishment of global digital standards.

It directs the Secretary of State to:

• Engage with allies and partners to develop and promote digital standards that protect democratic values and human rights.
• Foster international collaboration on AI governance and the responsible use of technology.
• Support efforts to counter the misuse of technology by authoritarian regimes and hostile foreign actors.

Additionally, the order calls for the establishment of a Global Digital Compact, a voluntary initiative to promote digital cooperation and address common challenges. This compact aims to bring together governments, civil society, and the private sector to:

• Develop guidelines for the ethical and responsible use of AI and other emerging technologies.
• Promote digital inclusion and ensure access to reliable information.
• Address the challenges posed by online harms and disinformation campaigns.

Implications and Future Outlook

Executive Order 14074 represents a significant step towards addressing the evolving threats posed by foreign malign influence and the misuse of advanced technologies. By focusing on information integrity, securing critical infrastructure, and promoting global digital standards, the order aims to create a more resilient and secure democratic environment.

However, the success of this executive order will depend on effective implementation and collaboration between various government agencies, social media platforms, and international partners. The challenge lies in striking a balance between protecting democratic processes and preserving the benefits of technological advancements.

As the use of AI and social media continues to evolve, the strategies outlined in Executive Order 14074 will need to be adaptable and responsive to emerging threats. Ongoing research, collaboration, and public-private partnerships will be crucial in staying ahead of potential vulnerabilities and ensuring the long-term resilience of American democracy.